Certainty: 1 Illness & death of Skleraina Certainty: 1
1046
Certainty: 1 Second trial of Lazaros of Philippopolis sought to overturn the verdict of the first Certainty: 1
1047
Certainty: 2 Siege of Constantinople by Leon Tornikios, who won several skirmishes Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Tornikios had the city at his mercy, but did not take it; fortune turned against him
Konstantinos IX was energetic during the night after the first day of the siege. He gathered men who had dispersed, fortified the gates and equipped the battlements with all kinds of arms, machines and stone-throwing instruments. Tornikios, finding the walls better fortified than the day before, and their defenders insulting him when he asked them to open the gates, blamed himself for not pressing the attack the previous day. He walked around the walls, parading prisoners and threatening to execute them if not allowed into the city, but retreated when he realised it was all in vain. Zoe and Theodora encouraged the people to honour the holy shrines during Tornikios' siege. The patriarch Keroularios summoned the faithful, together with the bishops and monks who had sought refuge in the city, and led a procession praying for deliverance. Tornikios' men lost heart and did not return to the walls, but after staying in camp for a few days, returned whence they had come, most in disorder like fugitives, many leaving baggage behind. Tornikios, when he saw some of his men going over to the emperor and others dispersing, lifted his blockade of the city. Konstantinos IX made no attempt at pursuit: his past fright prevented him from taking the opportunity for action
Certainty: 0 Donations to Hagios Michael of Sosthenion by Konstantinos IX & Zoe Certainty: 0
Certainty: 0 Donation to Mangana by Konstantinos IX & Zoe Certainty: 0
1048
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote Oratio Panegyrica 5 for Konstantinos IX Certainty: 1
1049
Certainty: 1 Success of Romanos Boilas as a court buffoon Certainty: 1
1050
Certainty: 2 Zoe was buried in a most beautiful tomb Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos IX was deeply moved by Zoe's death Certainty: 2
Certainty: 2 Konstantinos openly recognised his mistress (an Alan princess), naming her sebaste Certainty: 2
1053
Certainty: 1 Psellos wrote to Ioannes Mauropous on behalf of an old man, & mocked Ioannes for wanting to return to the capital
A persistent old man's petition to Ioannes Mauropous was supported by a letter from Psellos, though Ioannes' kindness was such that no letter was needed. Ioannes and Psellos were both happy and unhappy, Ioannes in a good place far from home, Psellos at home suffering humiliation. A similar point was made in another letter. Ioannes' suffering produced amazing letters, like a dweller in heaven envying those in Hades. Ioannes wanted to exchange happiness in Euchaïta for instability in the capital, maybe changing places (but not offices) with Psellos. But (he asked) had not Ioannes just left the Eden of the City? It was now under the sway of the Alan princess (a sight to make Ioannes forget Euchaïta) who outshone the old pair of Zoe (now deceased) and Theodora. As for Ioannes' nephew, his studies were going well with several teachers, especially Psellos
1054
Certainty: 2 Psellos' return to court after tonsure, & its uncomfortable results Certainty: 2